And So It Begins...

One of my favorite parts of a movie is the title sequence.  They have certainly developed over the years. I remember as a kid how it seemed they would go on forever.  In most cases, the credits were in the beginning of the film, including the cast of characters.  Everyone received their due before the audience had a chance to walk out on where the credit lie in the production they had just experienced.  I certainly enjoy a contemporary film where this is done; however, with so many films involved with computer graphics and digital work, the audience could possibly wait a full ten minutes before the movie even begins (as is with the 1978 Superman joke)!

For the most part, the title sequence in its infancy was just this – to give the audience all the information on the production crew and the cast they would see throughout the film.  However, there were films early that began to use the title sequence to move the story along to our point of induction.  Any good film uses every scene to further the story line, hence the continual love/hate relationship between editor and director (and why we have so many films in director’s cut versions).

Saul Bass (of Rankin – Bass Productions) was a pioneer in the evolution of the title sequence.  He created title sequences for the likes of Anatomy of a Murder, Around the World in Eighty Days, It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World and North by Northwest. You can see many of these title sequences on YouTube©.  Further reading on Saul Bass is available in the book, Saul Bass: A Life in Film and Design (©2011), by Jennifer Bass, Pat Kirkham, and Martin Scorsese.  (My family can find this on my wish list!)  

I have several favorite title sequences.  They may have a great score that accompanies the visual, and this sucks me into its vortex of fascination, luring me into the story’s web.  Interestingly enough, as in past blogs, some of these titles will appear on future blog postings.

Here are snapshots of just a few:

 Kiss of Death (1947)

Through the typed pages of the manuscript, the audience feels like they are reading right from the story.  The pica font is classic and in a whimsical way lures the audience into this dark tale.  Not one of my favorite films, but I love the creativity here.

It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (1963)

Right from the initial animation, we get the idea there is a chase about to ensue.  The frantic pace of the world and those within her are about to realize it's mad AND madcap.

The Pink Panther (1963)

Who would have ever thought that this panther (a diamond of great worth) would become a popular cartoon franchise? Here, Henry Mancini writes one of the most easily identifiable themes in the history of the movies.

The Great Race (1965)

With another Henry Mancini's score, this sequence is presented in the form of old lantern show slides.  Even as one catches fire and burns, and another is placed into the projector incorrectly, the 'boos' and 'huzzahs' for the characters are right from an old-time melodramatic play.

Catch Me If You Can (2002)

The shadowy figures pre-tell the story in a most mesmerizing fashion.  The film itself is a 'fashion piece' using '60's style art and John Williams' frenetic score.

Casino Royale (2006)

When Daniel Craig took on James Bond, the buzz was wild, and so is this sequence of mixes media that is accompanied by a rocking title song by Chris Cornell.  By the time it's over, the audience is pumped and ready to take on any assignment with 007.

My favorite title sequence might be surprising. It is neither cute nor cartoon. It is highly political and graphic.  It does exactly what it is supposed to do.  It brings backstory to us and emotionally grabs us, whether we agreed with it or not.  And once it is complete, we are ready for the rest of what is to take place. 

Here is the title sequence for the 2005 film, Lord of War, starring Nicolas Cage.

 As I have mentioned before, blogging about film is about as easy to find as a weed in a vacant lot.  I have found one blog dedicated strictly to the art itself at: 

http://www.artofthetitle.com

I don’t need to reinvent the wheel.  Those at the Art of the Title, have made a terrific compilation video of the evolution of the title sequence.  I found it interesting to find several of my favorites included here.  I must not all that crazy!

As with the Saul Bass book, there are many other books and video resources on the subject of the title sequence at through bookstores and internet sources.

Once again I leave you with the question - What are your favorite title sequences? Is it time to revisit an 'old friend'?

***** On a side note – it is hard to believe there are just 12 weeks left in this year.  

I will be out of my movie room and not post a blog next week. I will return to post again October 18.